Joshua is fanned by his father Robert after defeating Dominic Breazeale at the O2

EPA

Joshua stopped US fighter Breazeale in the seventh round

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Charles Martin was KO'd in the second round of their fight at the O2

Reuters

Joshua in full flow against Martin at his O2 fortress in April

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Joshua after scooping the IBF world heavyweight belt with his victory against Martin

Joshua, who will learn the identity of his opponent later this month, said: “When I first started my professional career I travelled all round the country fighting, which I loved, and this is taking me back to the grass roots.

“I can’t wait to get back up North and show the people of Manchester how much I have improved since the last time I was there.

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“I have been inspired over the summer by the fighters in the Olympics, it has given me a new perspective and huge hunger to get back in the ring.

“It has taken a bit of time to officially announce the fight, but we want this to be a spectacular show all the way up the card and it takes time to get these things right.”

The 2012 Olympic gold medallist won the IBF title with a two-round demolition of Charles Martin in April.

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New Zealand fighter Joseph Parker is the mandatory challenger

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